In the mid-90s, the WNBA had started taking shape. After a detailed list of choices was developed, the selection process for the team names got underway. These names were to be decided by the WNBA in partnership with the original franchises, the Liberty being one of them. The process included a tie to the NBA team name in the market, a link to a significant characteristic of each state or city and/or creation of a name that would fit the current sports landscape. Hence, the Statue of Liberty fell synonymous with the New York City and the countless opportunities it held within. And this is how the concept of what we know today as the New York Liberty was birthed.

Now it was only last year when the franchise went into transformation mode regarding their uniform and launched new jerseys in a unique colorway. Let’s check it out.

NY Liberty’s Seafoam Uniform is a work of art blended with culture

Last year, the New York Liberty unveiled its new WNBA Rebel Edition uniform that features its iconic seafoam colorway. The idea behind this was to pay homage to the New York City’s rich history of women’s basketball clubs.

The reimagined elements in the jersey’s design represents the same through its classic topography and throwback sport monograms. The large flame on the both sides of the shorts symbolizes the Statue of Liberty passing her torch through the past, present and future athletes while being at the heart of the franchise’s core identity.

There is also a gritty pattern in scattered black color on the jersey and shorts that embodies the City’s streetball and the significant role it plays in growing the game for the next generation. The inspiration behind this new design has been drawn from the Liberty’s ongoing commitment to equality and social justice. As a result, their jersey contains EQUALITY word mark as its centerpiece.

Looking at the price value, the Liberty’s 2023 Nike Rebel Edition is being sold for $129 approx. Adding more depth to its significance, let’s dive a little deeper into the Liberty’s historic logo.

Makings of the WNBA’s second-longest active logo

Since it’s inception in 1996 as one of the original franchises in the league, the New York Liberty had the same logo for 23 years. It was only until 2019 when the franchise primarily started using the alternate NY logo. The new logo is still a part of the team’s original logo design, which features several hues of blue, orange, seafoam green and black.

The franchise’s reimagined logo embraces the team’s new era while resonating with its origin. Showcasing itself in a redefined manner, the logo features a modern font, sleek lines, giving an aesthetic look to the organization’s most symbolic elements like the New York shield, torch, with black and white seafoam colors.

The shield specifically is adorning the city’s initials, which resonates with the franchise’s unwavering pride and love for the New York City, being its leading women’s basketball team (professional). Then there is the torch which symbolizes enlightenment. Considered as a beacon of light, the torch represents virtues like equality, liberation and justice for all, and gives life to Fannie Lou Hamer’s words that read, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” 

Looking at the seafoam, it isn’t the Statue of Liberty’s original color. At the time of its unveiling in 1886, the Statue of Liberty held the color of copper. However, the 2-decade long aging process where copper reacted with air and other natural elements, it turned into patina or seafoam green. Hence, the color represents the Lady Liberty’s strength, power, and resilience.

It’s black and white colors, although being opposites by nature, however together, they pose as a united force. Moreover, it celebrates the differences that bring together the players, fans and the city. It also solidifies the bond between the New York Liberty and the Brooklyn Nets. Therefore, the franchise carries with it great legacy.